Apple has is own podcasts solution on iOS that is integrated with iTunes, but it doesn't come with much in the way of configuration or options. That's where Pocket Casts from Shifty Jelly comes in. This app is a robust podcast client for serious listeners, and it's just gotten a big update to version 4.0 with a slick iOS 7 interface.

Pocket Casts is of note because it's not just another RSS aggregator that happens to have a play-pause button. When you add a feed to Pocket Casts, it loads the podcast on the Pocket Cast servers, which then pushe the updates down to you. The upshot of this process is that you are notified instantly of new episodes, even if you have 50 podcasts to refresh. The new version also includes the option to have episodes automatically downloaded on your device. One other small, but useful tweak, the skip forward/backward buttons are now customizable.

If you listen on multiple devices, Pocket Casts can also be used to sync your progress across devices. That's especially notable because the 4.0 update has added support for the iPad with its own tablet-optimized UI. It takes full advantage of the screen real estate with a larger grid of podcast artwork and more information on the playback screen.

The UI for the iPad and iPhone is now a really great take on iOS 7. The predominant color is white, and it has all the right icons and buttons. There's also none of that gaudy frosted glass effect Apple has taken so much heat for. This app really looks native to iOS 7 without just being derivative of what Apple is doing.

This is a universal app, so the iPad version comes at no additional cost. Pocket Casts is $3.99 in iTunes, which is a fair price. Maybe you should treat yourself to a spiffy new podcast client to celebrate the release of iOS 7.

About the Author

Ryan Whitwam is a freelance tech/science writer and fan of all things electronic. This long-time skeptic and former research scientist is a lover of the em dash and a defender of the Oxford comma. He also writes for Geek.com and ExtremeTech.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanWhitwam
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